CIT celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and achievements

CIT celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and achievements

With the support of the Canberra Institute of Technology Student Association (CITSA), CIT Yurauna will host the 2019 NAIDOC Week celebrations on Thursday 17 October at CIT Reid at 12pm.

The national theme of this year's NAIDOC Week celebrations is "Voice. Treaty. Truth. Let's work together for a shared future."

"The CIT NAIDOC Week celebrations provide an opportunity for the community to come together to learn about and acknowledge the history, culture and achievements of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community," CIT Yurauna Director Caroline Hughes said.

As part of the celebrations, CIT Yurauna graduate Papunya Connors will share her journey from being exposed to the impacts of addictions and mental health issues on the well-being of her community. This experience led her to pursue a Certificate IV in Alcohol and Other Drugs (CHC43215) and a Certificate III in Community Services (CHC32015) at CIT. She is now following her passion; contributing to the wellbeing of the Ngunnawal community and the potential of its youth.

Ms Connors is a 2019 ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year finalist and the recipient of the 2018 ACT Health NAIDOC Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Student of the Year Award.

CIT's NAIDOC Week celebrations will also feature contemporary dancer and singer Tahalianna Soward Mahanga, and traditional performances by CIT Yurauna students and Teacher Chaydin Reid.

Significant to this year's NAIDOC Week theme, Ms Hughes, a Ngunnawal Elder, is engaged in efforts to preserve and increase knowledge of Indigenous languages from around Australia.

Earlier this year, Ms Hughes lent her voice to a recording of a Welcome to Country in Ngunnawal language, which is played at the Canberra Airport's international terminal. In addition, Ms Hughes' voice is also heard introducing presenters on ABC Radio Canberra in Ngunnawal language.

NAIDOC Week celebrations take place around Australia every year in July, which coincides with CIT's semester break. Yurauna, CIT's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Centre of Excellence, celebrates NAIDOC week in October allowing students, teachers and staff to get together to celebrate and learn more about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures.